Punjab association plans to re-introduce Sher-e-Punjab T20 cricket league

After dropping the Sher-e-Punjab T20 Cricket Tournament last year, the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) is planning to re-introduce the event with some changes this season. Highly placed sources confirmed that the PCA was planning to conduct this tournament on the same lines of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by having an open auction of the players for franchise-based format teams.

While the tournament is slated in June at the newly build Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA International Stadium in Mullanpur, the preparations will start from May — after the T20 World Cup and the matches of 2026 IPL season here. In the last two seasons, a total of six teams participated and were named after corporate companies. However, the players were allocated by the PCA officials on the basis of their performance. This time, the teams will play under a franchise model on the similar lines of the IPL.

“The award money for the first two events was Rs 25 lakh each, but this time there will be a significant increase, and the matches will also be telecast live,” added the top official. The PCA is considering an open auction, either through points or a specific amount.

“Just like the IPL format, players’ base amount will be fixed by PCA officials, which will be open to the team managements for bidding. The management has started the planning, though it’s in the initial stage. It’s to be seen how the teams will be distributed to different franchises and how many number of teams shall be involved for the league. While the matches will be held at the PCA’s international stadium, efforts will be made to cover some other grounds located in other districts of Punjab as well,” added another source. The officials are most likely to announce eight teams, featuring specific numbers of quota for junior players. The team will practice together and travel together, just like the IPL.

The players below the U-19 age group will not be part of this league, claimed highly placed sources. The PCA will be following hosting and drafting of players, their auction list and set the monetary bar with the help of an outsourced partner. The PCA will play a limited role, and there will be an entirely different committee to organise this league, claimed the sources.